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Statement by India on behalf of Like Minded Group at the 43rd Session of the Human Rights Council ( ..

Statement by India on behalf of Like Minded Group at the

43rd Session of the Human Rights Council ( 24 February – 20 March 2020) under agenda Item 3 : Promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development, delivered by Ms. Mini Devi Kumam, First Secretary,

Permanent Mission of India, (Geneva, 05 March 2020)

Madam President,

India, on behalf of the Like-minded Group of Countries, has the honour to deliver this statement under Agenda 3.

2. LMG countries reiterate that the Human Rights Council was established to serve as a forum for dialogue on issues of human rights and its primary mandate is promotion and protection of human rights. In accordance to Resolution 60/251, the Council shall be responsible for promoting universal respect for the protection of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, without distinction of any kind and in a fair and equal manner. It was also decided that the work of the Council shall be guided by the principles of universality, impartiality, objectivity, non-selectivity, constructive international dialogue and cooperation, with a view to enhancing the promotion and protection of all human rights: civil, political, economic, social, cultural rights, including the right to development.

3. The reason was simple and clear that the Council’s objectives can be best achieved through building consensus through genuine dialogue on all outstanding issues. Politicization of the Council would lead to erosion of trusts between all relevant stakeholders and this in turn, has proved counter productive to the overall promotion of human rights.

4. LMG countries are of the view that the functions of the Council including its contribution towards the prevention of human rights violations, should not lead to undermining the UN Charter Principles such as acknowledging the primacy of States in promotion and protection of human rights, respect for national sovereignty, territorial integrity, non-interference in the internal affairs of States, non-selective and transparent approach. It is essential to have constructive dialogue and consultation among all relevant stakeholders, with understanding and respect for national realities, contexts and circumstances, thereby, enhancing trust and cooperative engagement.

5. In conclusion, LMG countries draw the attention of the Council towards its role in promotion of human rights education and learning, advisory services, technical assistance and capacity-building, to be provided in consultation with and with the consent of Member States in accordance to Resolution 60/251.

Thank you, Madam President.

List of countries that supported the above statement are as follows:

India

Venezuela

Philippines

Syria

DPRK

Algeria

Singapore

Laos

Malaysia

Russia